Massage Quality Going Downhill
I figured I'd post in the Chicago massage section, as it's the hub of all the surrounding area. I've noticed, especially over the last 4-6 months, a huge decline in the quality of the massage parlor experience. The language barrier seems to be growing, the quality of the actual massage seems to be falling, and the masseuses have taken on a serious belief that their services command more money. In some cases, a LOT more money. I, for one, have just about had enough, to the point where I can stick with 3 or maybe 4 places that I know are worthwhile, or just give it up, and do a visit here and there. I do reviews on another site, and my last 4 reviews there have been bad ones. I spent about $450 on these four visits, one of which was a laughable 4 Hand, and though I'm NOT a broke guy, that remains a lot of money to me. There's a sense of entitlement at these places that is becoming intolerable. I happen to think that a massage business should be run as any other service business (especially with a storefront), and if you can't deliver the service well, at price points that the public feels has value, your doors should close for good. But the "masseuses" in these places are relying on their looks, the desperation of some of the clientele, and the fact that the last ten minutes to half hour of a session contains the Paradise Stroke. Sorry ladies, for this guy, that either doesn't work for or doesn't apply to me. Furthermore, the laziness, lack of assimilation, or whatever factor it is that makes them think they can operate without being able to speak English is ridiculous. No, I will not use a translate feature on a phone to communicate. I have no desire to feel like I'm using the Universal Translator in an episode of "Star Trek". I'm there for an experience, the skilled touch of a woman, and to be treated as if I matter, not as if I'm an ATM. I'm not some Sybaris romantic, rose petals on the floor and scented candles kind of dude. Nor does a massage give me some glowing sense of well being for hours or days. But a well done massage does have some positive effect on me, happy ending or not, and a masseuse I can communicate with adds even more. I believe we as customers are going to have to dig in our heels, demand actual service, and most definitely hold the line on the tipping, including tipping LESS than standard for shoddy service. That is, until our massage standards are met, or until the providers get a dose of reality and understand we can always go somewhere else. Enough is enough.